As Thanksgiving has moved to the rearview mirror, the December holidays are coming up quickly and, once again, Vashon’s annual toy drive is underway.
Spearheaded for the last decade by Joyce Smith and Jan Lyle, the goal is to enable all island families in need to provide gifts for their children at Christmas.
“About 200 kids received items from the drive last year,” Smith said. “It varies, but we usually see items going to 175 to 200 kids every season.”
Until last year, the drive was sponsored by the Kiwanis Club, as Smith and Lyle were both members. When the club folded, John L. Scott Real Estate stepped in as the drive’s new sponsor. As Smith and Lyle explained, a sponsor is needed for the insurance, but John L. Scott has also provided a truck for toy collection, personal shoppers to help attendees when the shop is open, personnel to shop for items for the drive as well as money for ads to get the word out.
“We are very thankful for them,” Lyle noted.
The event works by collecting gift items for kids ages newborn through 18. On the designated day, a “store” will be set up with all of the collected items sorted by age groups, and parents or guardians who come receive a ticket for every child for whom they’ll be shopping. Each family may choose three to four items for each child. Children are not allowed at the distribution store, and the event is for island families only.
Smith and Lyle said that for the drive, they are looking for new, unwrapped toys, personal care items, pajamas, sports equipment and winter outerwear (coats, gloves, scarves and hats). Gift cards and cash donations will also be accepted.
“We get so little for the teens,” Smith said. “That’s always the age group that seems hardest to buy for, but gift cards work well for them.”
Items that will not be accepted are anything that is not new, or at least in like-new condition, and clothing other than outerwear or pajamas.
Cash is always welcome, though all checks should be made out to Vashon Youth & Family Services and marked specifically for the toy drive.
The distribution store will be open in the former Granny’s Attic space at Sunrise Ridge from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 19. Spanish interpreters will be available during distribution hours if needed.
Collection boxes were set up last Friday at seven locations — Vashon Ace Hardware, Thriftway, Vashon Pharmacy, IGA, Island Home Center & Lumber, U.S. Bank and the John L. Scott office. Gift cards and checks must be dropped off at the John L. Scott office or to Lyle at the Barber & Beauty Shoppe in town.
